The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) has issued a statement calling for “all stakeholders in the Maldives to act responsibly and to conduct themselves peacefully during protests planned to coincide with the opening of the first session of the People’s Majlis” on Wednesday morning.
“MDP recalls that freedom of assembly is a Constitutional right in the Maldives and must be fully respected by the authorities. The right also entails responsibilities for all parts of society – both the protester who must conduct him/herself peacefully and within the law, and the police and security services who must show maximum restraint towards peaceful protesters, ensure the safety and well-being of all, and avoid violence,” the party said in a statement.
It was, the party said, “vital for the restoration of calm, for the future of democracy in the country and for the international reputation of the Maldives, for the police to avoid any repetition of the events of 8th February in the capital.”
The party has called for protests after roadmap talks failed to produce an election date ahead of parliament’s opening on March 1.
Roadmap mediator Ahmed Mujthaba told Haveeru the talks had been delayed due to the “sensitivity” of the issues.
